Fewer students in Maine School Administrative District 44 qualify as economically disadvantaged this year compared to last year, Superintendent Mark Kenney said Monday.

Currently, 54% of students qualify as economically disadvantaged, Kenney told the board of directors. In 2024-25, the districtwide rate was 56%, and it was 41% in 2023-24.

A family of four making less than $41, 795 per year is considered economically disadvantaged by the state. The status qualifies the school district for Title I services and certain grants, and the number is used by students on college applications.

As of Oct. 1, 250 students attend Crescent Park Elementary, 66 students attend Woodstock Elementary, 158 attend Telstar Middle School and 173 at Telstar High School.

Earlier in the year, Kenney posted a link to the district’s social workers and listed community resources on the SAD 44 homepage. He said they are starting to see an increase in calls and visits to school social workers. He noted that there were more meals provided through the food pantry for Thanksgiving than previously, and the Bethel Rotary has increased their holiday meal boxes from 30 to 40. 

“Gearing up for the longer holiday break and weekend meal bags and supplies for kids is something the schools are also working on,” he said. “There is concern if this cold weather settles in and stays, this early on, that as the months go along needs will continue to increase.”